Going for the girls

I started researching this month’s feature on women in logistics looking for drama. I wanted stories of sexual harassment, gender discrimination and glass ceilings. I wanted to blow the cover on an industry phenomenon I was sure existed. But I found nothing.

The women I spoke with told me men either treated them as equals, or gave them more respect because they were women. Jean Richmond with GAC Group said she was surprised by this when she transferred to Dubai from South Africa, because she had been warned about cultural attitudes towards women in the Middle East. Another woman confided in me that she felt more respected working in Dubai than she did in the West.

Perhaps if the industry had a tighter job market, the boys would be turning against the girls. But at this moment, managers will welcome whoever they can get. Male or female, young or old – if you can do the job, companies will be happy to have you. As Alma Mangalindan with Unilever, says, “In a supply chain organisation, people will not look at your gender, they will look at your work. All people are equal.”

And perhaps hiring more women is the answer to every logistics company’s staffing woes. Logistics is no longer sweaty men in a warehouse. It is ideas, planning, organisation, communication and relationships. At the risk of getting into the nature versus nurture debate, I would say these are all qualities women are known for.

My mother never worked for a salary when I was growing up, but I can say she was the best logistics professional I know. She kept the fridge stocked with groceries, dropped us off on time for school, and had dinner on the table every night before we got too hungry. Maybe companies in need of effective supply chain mangers should start recruitment campaigns for housewives.

Speaking of relationships, I noticed that the majority of the women I interviewed for this issue were single, while most of the men I meet in the industry are married. I wonder— can a woman be a successful supply chain manager and have a family? Does moving up the ladder entail being married to your job?

Finally, I have never enjoyed my job as much as when I was in Jordan for this month’s feature. From the Jordan Economic Forum to my trip to Aqaba, I was impressed with the national pride and overall eagerness to improve the country’s transport infrastructure. I was also blown away by the kindness and hospitality of the Jordanian people. If anyone deserves a successful logistics industry, it is them.